1. art and entertainment
2. books and literature

This volume contains recommended quantities, indications and dosing for 55 medicines listed in the
International Medical Guide for Ships 3rd edition. The quantities are based on three types of ships:
• ocean-going ships with crews of 25–40 and no doctor (Category A);
• coastal ships with crews of up to 25 that travel no more than 24 hours from a port of
call (Category B); and
• small boats and private craft with crews of 15 or less, and usually travelling no more
than a few hours from a port of call (Category C).
These quantities have been updated to reflect the decrease of crew numbers on most ships and
calculated for voyages of one month. This companion volume to the International Medical Guide for
Ships provides essential guidance to all those who involved in the procurement, purchasing, stock
maintenance and use of medicines to promote and protect the health of seafarers worldwide.
ISBN 978 92 4 154799 4
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Quantification Addendum:
International Medical Guide
for Ships, Third Edition
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WHO Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
Quantification addendum: international medical guide for ships, third edition
1. Naval medicine. 2. Ships. 3. Sanitation. I. World Health Organization.
ISBN 978 92 4 154799 4
(NLM classification: WT 500)
© World Health Organization 2010
All rights reserved. Publications of the World Health Organization can be
obtained from WHO Press, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211
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[email protected]). Requests for permission to reproduce or translate WHO
publications – whether for sale or for noncommercial distribution – should be
addressed to WHO Press, at the above address (fax: +41 22 791 4806; e-mail:
[email protected]).
The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication
do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World
Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city
or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or
boundaries. Dotted lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which
there may not yet be full agreement.
The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not
imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization
in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and
omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by
initial capital letters.
All reasonable precautions have been taken by the World Health Organization
to verify the information contained in this publication. However, the published
material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or
implied. The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with
the reader. In no event shall the World Health Organization be liable for damages
arising from its use.
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CONTENTS
1. Background
1
2. Scope of project
1
3. Methods
1
3.1
3.2
3.3
Mapping the current medicines list to the quantities in
the previous edition of the International Medical Guide for Ships
Literature review and review of maritime websites
Interviews with local maritime authorities and
medicine suppliers
4. Results
4.1
4.2
4.3
1
2
2
2
Mapping the current medicines list to the quantities
in the second edition of the Guide
Literature review and review of maritime websites
Interviews with local maritime authorities and
medicine suppliers
5
5. Proposed quantities of medicines for the third edition of
the Guide
5
5.1 Assumptions and definitions
5.2 Details of the proposed quantities
2
3
5
6
Annex 1: Mapping of the medicines in the third edition of the
Guide to the quantities in the second edition
41
Annex 2: Mapping of the medicines in the third edition of the
Guide to the quantities recommended in the Australian and UK guidelines for ships
44
Annex 3: Recommended quantities of medicines for the third
edition of the International Medical Guide for Ships
48
References
51
iii
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1.
Background
The third edition of the International Medical Guide for Ships was published by the World
Health Organization, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization and the
International Maritime Organization in 2007. The Guide provides advice to help promote
and protect the health of seafarers. An important section in the Guide is the ‘Ship’s Medicine
Chest’. This section provides a recommended list of medicines that ships at sea should carry,
as well as indications and dosing. The second edition of the Guide, published in 1988, also
provided suggested quantities of medicines that ships of various size should hold; recommended quantities were not included in the third edition. The University of Newcastle WHO
Collaborating Centre for Training in Pharmaco-economics and Rational Pharmacotherapy was
commissioned to develop a list of recommended quantities of medicines listed in the third
edition of the International Medical Guide for Ships.
2.
1.
2.
3.
Scope of project
To update the list of recommended medicines in the ‘The ship’s medicine chest’ section
of the International Medical Guide for Ships to include recommended quantities of
medicines required to be held by ships;
To develop a list of recommended stock holdings for the medicines listed in the
International Medical Guide for Ships. The listing will be standardized to quantities per
number of crew.
Methods
This text was developed in three steps:
1.
2.
3.
Mapping the currently recommended medicines to the list of medicines (with quantities)
listed in the previous edition of the International Medical Guide for Ships.
Reviewing the published literature on medicine utilisation and medical requests made by
ships.
Contacting local maritime services for guidance on supply and medicine use aboard
ships.
3.1 Mapping the current medicines list to the quantities in the
previous edition of the International Medical Guide for Ships
The second edition of the International Medical Guide for Ships provided recommended
quantities for 83 medicines. The recommendations were based on three types of ships:
■
Ocean-going ships with crews of 25–40 and no doctor (Category A);
■
Coastal ships with crews of up to 25 that travel no more than 24 hours from a port of
call (Category B); and
■
Small boats and private craft with crews of 15 or fewer, and usually travelling no more
than a few hours from a port of call (Category C).
The stock levels for Category A and B ships were based on six months’ supply. Medicines
1
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listed in the third edition of the Guide were compared to those listed in the second edition
to obtain an initial estimate of quantities required. This estimate was then modified by taking
into account the results of a literature search, discussions with local maritime authorities and
storage requirements and expiry of stock. Estimates for the quantity of medicines newly listed
in the third edition of the Guide were based on literature review and interviews with local
maritime staff.
3.2 Literature review and review of maritime websites
A literature review was done to identify any published data on medicine utilization on
ships, and the types of medical conditions that are treated on ships. The search involved
major biomedical databases including Embase and Medline, using terms including ‘ship$’,
‘maritime’, seafarer’, ‘sailor’, ‘naval medicine’, with ‘drug use’, ‘drug utilisation’, ’medic$ or
drug and suppl$ or procur’, ‘emergenc$’. Hand searching of key journals, such as International Maritime Health, was undertaken. National maritime websites, such as the Australian
Maritime Safety Authority (http://www.amsa.gov.au/), and the Maritime and Coast Guard
Agency (http://www.mcga.gov.uk/) were also searched. The information found was used to
locate references to the types of medical care required at sea and to refine the recommended
stock levels of medicines to be kept.
3.3 Interviews with local maritime authorities and medicine
suppliers
Newcastle is one of the largest ports in Australia and as such has a significant maritime industry. Contact was made with local maritime authorities to discuss and refine the recommended
medicine holdings. Suppliers of medicines to ships were also identified.
4.
Results
4.1 Mapping the current medicines list to the quantities in the
second edition of the Guide
Details of the mapping can be found in Annex 1. Fifty (50) medicines are listed in the third
edition of the Guide, compared to 83 in the second edition. Only 17 of the medicines (34%)
in the third edition were listed in the second edition. There were a further 16 medicines (32%)
in the third edition which were similar to medicines in the second edition. However, in many
instances the drugs used in the second edition had a different range of indications making a
direct comparison difficult (e.g. erythromycin in the second edition compared to azithromycin
in the third edition), or had multiple indications in the second edition (e.g. chloroquine for the
treatment and prophylaxis of malaria in the second edition, whereas there is no prophylactic
medication for malaria in the third edition, only treatment).
Of the 50 medicines in the third edition, only 8 (16%) were recommended to be held by
Category C ships in the second edition, with a further 5 (10%) having a similar medicine
recommended in the second edition of the Guide.
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4.2 Literature review and review of maritime websites
Literature review
Medline and Embase searches identified 106 and 22 potentially useful articles respectively.
Based on a review of the titles and abstracts only four articles were identified for review.
Articles were excluded if they were non-English, only discussed warships, or if they only
discussed passenger ships/ferries.
McKay reported a retrospective analysis of cases where shipboard carers contacted Maritime
Medical Access, a company that uses satellite technology to link ships with an emergency
physician.[1] The paper reported on 866 cases over 48 months. The most common conditions requiring assistance were respiratory infections such as colds and bronchitis (15%),
abdominal complaints such as nausea and vomiting (10%), genitourinary complaints such as
dysuria and testicular pain, non-traumatic skin lesions such as rashes (8%), and general dental
conditions such as toothache (7%). The most common medications used were analgesics and
antibiotics.
Hall et al. reported on the establishment of the Medical Telecommunications Response Center
(MTRC).[2] The Center is based near Washington DC in the United States of America and
is designed to focus on maritime health issues. Ships contact the centre via satellite where
they can then get advice from a physician. A review of 150 consecutive cases reported to
the Center identified traumatic injuries (e.g. lacerations) and gastrointestinal disorders (e.g.
gastroenteritis) as the most common disorders. Others included musculoskeletal disorders
(e.g. muscle strain), ear, nose and throat disorders (e.g. otitis media), and respiratory disorders
(e.g. pneumonia and bronchitis).
Scott et al. reviewed the medical problems seen at sea,[3] reporting a retrospective review of
700 medical cases managed by Maritime Medical Access at the George Washington University. The most common problems encountered were acute injuries, followed by infectious
diseases (e.g. upper respiratory tract infections). Other complaints included gastrointestinal
(e.g. vomiting, diarrhoea and gastroenteritis), cardiovascular (e.g. chest pain), and dermatological problems. Among the most commonly used medicines were analgesics (e.g. paracetamol), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants.
Lateef and Anantharaman reported on 21 years’ experience of providing medical advice to
ships from the Singapore General Hospital.[4] There were over 2,300 calls received, with
abdominal pain (25%), musculoskeletal pain and minor trauma (13%), fever with upper respiratory tract infections (12%), renal colic (6%) and chest pain (5%) being the most common
complaints. The most commonly prescribed medicines were analgesics, muscle relaxants,
antibiotics (e.g. amoxicillin, metronidazole, erythromycin), antihistamines, sedatives, antianginals and antacids.
A limitation of all of these published reviews is that they may represent more severe presentations, as they are all based on calls to medical centres; in the third edition of the Guide, 37
(72%) of the medications listed can be used without the need to contact a doctor. Further,
none of the reviews gave a clear indication of the amounts of medicines consumed on ships.
Hand searching of International Maritime Health located no additional useful information.
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Review of maritime websites
The review of international maritime websites identified guidelines in Australia, the United
Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA) related to the medicines that should
be carried by ships.[5–7]. The guidelines from the USA only listed medicines that a ship
should carry and did not provide any recommended quantities. Therefore, these guidelines
were not used. The Australian guidelines provided recommended quantities for pharmaceuticals for three categories of ships. Category A ships are seagoing vessels on unlimited
voyages during which stores can be restocked from ports and the quantities suggested
are based on a crew size of approximately 20. Category B vessels are seagoing ships on
short voyages, generally not exceeding 240 kilometres from the nearest port. Category C
ships are those that sail in smooth or partially smooth waters and stay close to shore; the
assumed crew sizes are not given for Category B and C ships in the Australian guidelines.
The UK guidelines also provide advice on three categories of ships; the descriptions of the
categories in the UK guidelines are similar to those in the Australian guidelines. In the UK
guidelines the quantities are given for each 10 members of crew. The quantities recommended in both of these guidelines were mapped to the medicines in the third edition of
the Guide (Annex 2).
Of the 50 medicines listed in the third edition of the Guide, 25 (50%) are recommended in
the Australian and UK guidelines for Category A and B ships. For a further 11 (22%) drugs in
the third edition there are comparable medicines in the Australian and/or UK guidelines. Only
4 of the medicines (8%) in the third edition of the Guide were listed in the Australian and/or
UK guidelines for Category C ships.
Other relevant literature
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (Federation Internationale Pharmaceutique, FIP)
has issued guidance on provisioning ships with medicines.[8] This document makes the
following points which are relevant to changes since the second edition of the Guide:
■
■
■
■
due to the decrease of crew numbers on most ships, the quantities of individual
medicines held in stock should be reduced;
obsolete medicines should be replaced by up-to-date products, selected in accordance
with current evidence-based, rational pharmacotherapy;
the list of products to be held in stock should be updated more frequently;
a standardised labelling system and appropriate information on use, applicable in all
countries in the world, should be introduced.
The International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) has issued a joint statement with
the WHO Collaborating Centre for the Health of Seafarers on the quantities that should be
held by ships.[9] The guidance is for ocean-going merchant vessels for a 3-week trip. This is
similar to the description of Category A vessels in the Australian and UK guidelines, although
the duration of the travel is not stated in the Australian and UK guidelines. These quantities
are available from the IMHA website and the 3-week ocean-going categorization has been
included in Section 5.2 below.
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4.3 Interviews with local maritime authorities and medicine
suppliers
Captain Guy Plumridge provided information based on his current practice and two decades of
experience in the shipping industry, as pertains to the ordering, administration and documentation of medicines on Category A and B ships. Two local suppliers of medicine were identified: Jon Dickson Pharmacy (Mayfield, New South Wales) and St John’s Ambulance Australia
(Sydney, New South Wales) and interviewed.
5.
Proposed quantities of medicines for the third
edition of the Guide
5.1 Assumptions and definitions
Categories of ships
The categories used in previous guidelines are summarised in Table 5.1.
The definitions are similar across the guidelines. Therefore, we have used the definitions in the
second edition of the Guide when recommending quantities for the third edition.
Table 5.1 Definition of categories of ships used in existing guidelines
Category A
Category B
Category C
Second edition of
the Guide
Ocean-going merchant
vessels without a doctor
on board.
Merchant vessels engaged in coastal trade
or going to nearby ports, and not more than
24 hours away from a port of call.
Fishing boats or private
craft that are never more
than a few days from home
port, or only a few hours
from a port of call.
Australian
guidelines
Seagoing vessel on
unlimited voyages, and
assumes that supplies can
be re-stocked if necessary
from wayports.
Seagoing vessel on short voyages, generally
not extending more than 150 miles
[approximately 240 km] from the nearest
port. Can be extended up to 200 miles
[approximately 320 km] if continuously
within range of a helicopter rescue service.
Ships in smooth or partially
smooth water, and those
that stay close to shore.
UK guidelines
Seagoing or sea-fishing
vessels with no limitation
on length of trips.
Seagoing or sea-fishing vessels making trips
of less than 150 nautical miles [approximately
280 km] from the nearest port with adequate
medical equipment. This category is
extended to seagoing or sea-fishing vessels
which make trips of less than 175 nautical
miles [approximately 325 km] from the
nearest port that has adequate medical
equipment and which remain continuously
within range of helicopter rescue services.
Harbour vessels, boats and
craft staying very close to
shore (generally no more
than 60 nautical miles
[approximately 110 km] out
from shore) or with no cabin
accommodation other than
a wheelhouse.
IMHA
recommendations
Ocean-going merchant
vessels without a doctor
on board
Merchant vessels without a doctor that are
engaged in coastal trade and not more than
24 hours from a port of call.
Fishing or private vessels
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Table 5.2 Definition of crew sizes of ships used in existing guidelines
Category A
Category B
Category C
Second edition of the
Guide
Six months’ inventory for
a crew of 25-40 persons
Six months’ inventory for a
crew of approximately 25
Crew of approximately 15
Australian guidelines
Crew of about 20 people
Not stated
Not stated
UK guidelines
Per 10 crew
Per 10 crew
Per 10 crew
IMHA
recommendations
Per 10, 20, 30 and 40
crew for 3 weeks
Not given
Not given
Crew sizes and trip durations
The crew sizes and trip durations used in previous guidelines are summarised in Table 5.2.
In calculating the quantities for the third edition of the Guide we have chosen to calculate
quantities per 10 crew, similar to the UK guidelines. We have normalised the recommended
quantities in the second edition of the Guide and the Australian guidelines to ‘per 10 crew’. We
assumed a crew of 30 and 40 for Category A (a range is given in the details provided below), and
20 for Category B and C ships for the second edition of the Guide, and a crew of 20 for Category
A, B and C for the Australian guidelines. IMHA only provided guidance on Category A vessels.
Trip durations are not stated in the Australian and UK guidelines. We have used the IMHA
estimate of 3 to 4 weeks.
Pack sizes and shelf life
Given that ships obtain medicines from different countries, it is not possible to recommend exact
pack sizes. In most instances, the closest pack size should be stocked. In some cases – topical
preparations such as creams, eye drops, or ear preparations – the number of people likely to
require treatment has been estimated and a whole tube/bottle/pack per patient is recommended.
These recommendations are noted in the comments section of the draft list (Annex 3).
The shelf lives of products have been sourced, unless otherwise indicated, from summaries
of product characteristics (http://emc.medicines.org.uk/). The shelf life has been taken into
account when making recommendations on the quantities for the third edition of the Guide.
However, it should be noted that most medicines have shelf lives of over 24 months and
therefore shelf life had little impact on the recommendations.
5.2 Details of the proposed quantities
Acetylsalicylic acid 300mg tablets
Indication(s):
Pain, fever and inflammation; prevention of blood clots in angina and
myocardial infarction
Dose(s):
Pain/fever/inflammation: 600mg–1000mg four times a day
Prevention of blood clots: 100mg–150mg daily
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Existing recommendations:
second edition: Six hundred (600) tablets for Category A ships and 300 for Category B ships
(equivalent to 150–200 tablets per 10 crew for Category A, and 75–100 per 10 crew for
Category B). Category C ships were required to carry 200 tablets. No other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs were recommended in the second edition.
Australian guidelines: Not listed. Other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs recommended
include diclofenac, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid and naproxen.
UK guidelines: Not listed. Other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs recommended include
ibuprofen and diclofenac.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 100 acetylsalicylic acid 300mg tablets per
10 crew.
Note: The third edition of the Guide also includes ibuprofen and this is a safer anti-inflammatory agent. Further, it also includes paracetamol as an alternative analgesic and antipyretic.
Therefore, acetylsalicylic acid should be reserved primarily for use as an anti-thrombotic and
used as a second-line anti-inflammatory/analgesic/antipyretic.
Shelf life: 36 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
Category B:
Category C:
50 tablets per 10 crew
50 tablets per 10 crew
Nil
Aciclovir 400mg tablets
Indication(s):
primary or recurrent herpes simplex infection; severe varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles) infection
Dose(s):
Herpes zoster: 800mg five times a day for seven days
Other herpes: 400mg five times a day for five to ten days (for three to five
days for recurrence)
Existing recommendations:
The second edition of the Guide, and the Australian and UK guidelines did not provide quantities for aciclovir tablets. No equivalent product is listed in these guides.
IMHA guidance: Category A should carry 35 aciclovir 400mg tablets for 10–20 crew, and 70
for 30–40 crew.
Note: Based on the indication in the third edition of the Guide that requires the maximum
number of tablets, a single course requires 70 tablets.
Shelf life:
48 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
70 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category B:
35 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
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Adrenaline injection 1mg/ml
Indication(s):
Anaphylaxis and severe asthma
Dose(s):
0.5ml, the dose may be repeated several times every 5 minutes until blood
pressure, pulse and breathing improve
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Twenty (20) ampoules for Category A and 10 ampoules for Category B ships
(equivalent to 5 to 10 ampoules per 10 crew for Category A, and 2.5 ampoules per 10 crew for
Category B ships). Category C ships were required to carry 10 ampoules.
Australian guidelines: Category A and Category B ships should carry 5 ampoules irrespective
of crew size.
UK guidelines: Category A ships should carry 10 ampoules irrespective of crew size and/or 5
Epipen® per 10 crew, and Category B ships should carry 5 ampoules irrespective of crew size
and/or 5 Epipen® per 10 crew.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 10 ampoules irrespective of crew size.
Shelf life:
24 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
10 ampoules irrespective of crew size
Category B:
5 ampoules irrespective of crew size
Category C:
5 ampoules irrespective of crew size
Tetracaine (amethocaine) eye drops 0.5% 1ml individual vials
Indication(s):
local anaesthesia for eye examinations and procedures
Dose(s):
two drops
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Two (2) bottles (10ml each) of tetracaine (amethocaine) eye drops for Category A ships, and one bottle for Category B.
Australian guidelines: Category A and Category B ships should carry 20 unit-dose ‘Minims’
amethocaine 0.5% irrespective of crew size.
UK guidelines: Category A and Category B ships should carry 20 unit-dose ‘Minims’ tetracaine
0.5% for each 10 crew.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 20 single-use vials irrespective of crew size.
Shelf life:
24 months (unopened)
Recommendations:
Category A:
20 single-dose units irrespective of crew size
Category B:
20 single-dose units irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
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Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (875mg/125mg) tablets
Indication(s):
Bacterial infections, including – wound, skin, respiratory, and urinary tract
infections; prostatitis; pelvic inflammatory disease
Dose(s):
One tablet three times a day. Duration of therapy, usually 5–10 days for
respiratory tract infections, up to 28 days for prostatitis
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. The closest oral antibacterial recommended is ampicillin. However,
this would not provide the cover for skin infections similar to amoxicillin/ clavulanic acid.
Australian guidelines: Not listed. The only oral antibacterials listed are erythromycin, doxycycline and ciprofloxacin; injectable benzylpenicillin and ceftriaxone are the only beta-lactam
antibacterials listed.
UK guidelines: Not listed. The only oral antibacterials listed are erythromycin, doxycycline and
ciprofloxacin; injectable benzylpenicillin and cefuroxime are the only beta-lactam antibacterials listed.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 15 tablets for 10 crew, 30 tablets for 20–30
crew, and 45 tablets for 40 crew.
Note: The range of indications for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is wide, and includes conditions
that are likely to be common on a ship (e.g. wounds).
Shelf life:
24–36 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
20 tablets per 10 crew
Category B:
10 tablets per 10 crew
Category C:
Nil
Artemether injection 80mg/ml
Indication(s):
Management of severe (complicated) malaria
Dose(s):
3.2mg/kg initially then 1.6mg/kg daily until the patient can take oral
artemether + lumefantrine
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. Quinine injection and tablets are recommended for the treatment
of malaria. The suggested holdings were 20 ampoules of quinine dihydrochloride injection
300mg/ml (600mg quinine dihydrochloride per 2-ml ampoule) for Category A ships, and
Category B ships were not required to hold quinine. At the dose indicated in the second
edition of the guide (600mg three times a day until the patient can take oral therapy) and
assuming up to of 5 days of parenteral treatment, this quantity is sufficient to treat one
patient.
Australian guidelines: Not listed. Mefloquine (60 tablets per 10 crew for Category A and 30
per 10 crew for Category B ships), pyrimethamine with sulfadoxine (12 tablets per 10 crew
for Category A and B ships), and quinine tablets (50 tablets per 10 crew for Category A and
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B ships) are recommended to treat malaria. These treatments are oral and would not be used
for severe malaria.
UK guidelines: Not listed. Atovaquone with proguanil (Malarone™), quinine, doxycycline,
mefloquine, co-artemether (artemether + lumefantrine) and chloroquine are all recommended
for treatment. They are for oral treatment, and would not be used for severe malaria.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 5 ampoules irrespective of crew size.
Based on the recommended dose for an average 70kg adult, this would equate to 224mg
initially (3 x 80mg/ml ampoules) followed by 112mg (2 x 80mg/ml ampoules) daily until the
patient could take oral medication. Assuming it takes up to 4 days of subsequent parenteral
therapy [10] the total amount of artemether needed would be 11 ampoules of 80mg/ml for a
70kg adult (assuming part ampoules are discarded); similarly, for a 100kg adult, 12 ampoules
would be required.
Note: None of the treatments currently recommended in the Australian or UK guidelines are
equivalent to the use of parenteral artemether. They are for oral treatment, and would be used
for mild to moderate malaria.
Shelf life:
48 months[11]
Recommendations:
Category A:
12 ampoules irrespective of crew size
Category B:
12 ampoules irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Artemether + lumefantrine 20mg/120mg tablets
Indication(s):
Treatment of malaria
Dose(s):
The dose for an adult is 6-dose regimen of 4 tablets, given at specified
intervals over 60 hours (total 24 tablets)
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. Oral quinine is recommended for uncomplicated malaria (dose
of two tablets three times a day for 7 days). The second edition suggested Category A ships
carry 200 quinine 300mg tablets (equivalent to 50 to 70 tablets per 10 crew). This equates to
approximately one or two treatment courses per 10 crew. Category B and C ships were not
required to carry any quinine, but it was recommended that they carry 100 chloroquine 250mg
tablets (approximately 50 per 10 crew), which could be used to treat malaria. It should be
noted that the chloroquine was also recommended for prophylaxis and therefore the quantities that were recommended to be held do not reflect quantity for treatment alone.
Australian guidelines: Not listed. Mefloquine (60 tablets per 10 crew for Category A and 30
tablets per 10 crew for Category B ships), pyrimethamine with sulfadoxine (12 tablets per 10
crew for Category A and B ships), and quinine tablets (50 tablets per 10 crew for Category
A and B ships) are recommended to treat mild to moderate malaria. The usual adult dose of
pyrimethamine with sulfadoxine is 3 tablets as a single dose. The usual dose for quinine is
2 tablets 3 times daily for 7 days. The usual dose for mefloquine is 5 tablets as a single dose.
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It should be noted that the Australian guidelines recommend mefloquine for prophylaxis as
well as for the treatment of malaria. Therefore, the quantities recommended to be held do
not represent that for treatment alone. The Australian guidelines suggest Category A and B
ships carry enough pyrimethamine with sulfadoxine tablets to treat 4 people per 10 crew, and
quinine to treat one person per 10 crew.
UK guidelines: Artemether + lumefantrine is recommended, along with atovaquone with
proguanil (Malarone™), quinine, doxycycline, mefloquine, and chloroquine for mild to
moderate malaria. The UK guidelines do not provide quantities, only a recommendation that
‘appropriate emergency standby medication should also be carried’.[12]
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 24 tablets for 10–20 crew, and 48 tablets for
30–40 crew.
Note: Artemether + lumefantrine is the only treatment available for mild to moderate malaria
in the third edition of the guide. Double quantity if crew size exceeds 30.
Shelf life:
24 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
24 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category B:
24 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Atropine 1mg/ml (sulphate ) injection
Indication(s):
Management of slow heart rate (bradycardia) of myocardial infarction;
treatment of organophosphate poisoning
Dose(s):
Slow heart rate (bradycardia) of myocardial infarction: initial dose 500
micrograms, repeated every 3–5 minutes up to a maximum dose of 3mg
Organophosphate poisoning: 2mg, repeated every 10 to 30 minutes, if necessary, until muscarinic effects disappear or there are signs of atropine toxicity
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Category A ships carry 60 ampoules (equivalent to 15–20 ampoules per 10
crew), and Category B ships carry 10 ampoules of atropine 500micrograms/ml (sulphate)
injection, (equivalent to 5 ampoules per 10 crew for Category B ships).
Australian guidelines: Fifteen (15) ampoules for both Category A and Category B ships (listed
under Section 15: Antidotes) to treat organophosphate poisoning (equivalent to 7.5 ampoules
per 10 crew).
UK guidelines: Atropine is not listed except as part of a ‘Doctors bag’ to be carried by ships
that have passengers.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 10 ampoules irrespective of crew size.
Shelf life:
36 months
Note: The recommended quantity should be doubled if cargo contains organophosphates.
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Recommendations:
Category A:
10 ampoules irrespective of crew size
Category B:
5 ampoules irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Azithromycin 500mg tablets
Indication(s):
Alternative to penicillin in patients with penicillin allergy; wounds; in
combination with ceftriaxone for moderate/severe pneumonia and pelvic
inflammatory disease (PID); ; in combination with ceftriaxone or ciprofloxacin in urethritis due to sexually transmitted infections (STIs); genital
ulcer; impetigo; cholera; diphtheria; group A streptococcal (GAS) sore
throat; typhoid; pertussis
Dose(s):
Range from 1–2g (2–4 tablets) as a single dose for STIs; 500mg twice
daily for 14 days for diphtheria (total 28 tablets); the most common dose
is 500mg twice daily for 7–10 days or longer depending on the infection
(e.g. 14 days for diphtheria).
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. Erythromycin was the macrolide antibacterial recommended and
it was suggested that Category A ships carry 300 erythromycin 250mg tablets (equivalent to
approximately 75–100 per 10 crew) and Category B ships 100 erythromycin 250mg tablets
(equivalent to 50 per 10 crew).
Australian guidelines: Not listed. Erythromycin was the macrolide antibacterial recommended
and it was suggested that Category A ships carry 100 erythromycin 250mg tablets (50 tablets
per 10 crew) and Category B ships, half this quantity (25 tablets per 10 crew).
UK guidelines: Not listed. Erythromycin was the macrolide antibacterial recommended and
it was suggested that both Category A and Category B ships carry 28 erythromycin 250mg
tablets per 10 crew.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 3 azithromycin 500mg tablets for 10–20 crew,
and 6 azithromycin 500mg tablets for 30–40 crew.
Note: The standard dose of erythromycin for most indications is 250mg four times a day (4
tablets a day), and for azithromycin it is 500mg twice a day (two tablets per day). The likely
major indications for azithromycin are going to be for sexually transmitted infections STIs),
and pneumonia; for the treatment of pneumonia in a patient who is allergic to pencillin the
duration would be up to 5 days (10 tablets).
Shelf life:
36 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
10 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category B:
5 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
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Ceftriaxone injection 1g (as sodium salt)
Indication(s):Third-generation cephalosporin antibacterial; shock as a result of severe infection; penetrating abdominal injuries; moderate to severe pneumonia; appendicitis; ulcerative colitis; jaundice; cholecystitis; septic abortion; puerperal
sepsis; urethritis; pelvic inflammatory disease; cellulitis; septic arthritis;
meningitis
Dose(s):For most indications, usual dose 1 to 2g daily as a single dose or in two
divided doses; in severe infections up to 4g daily
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. No cephalosporins were recommended and the only parenteral
beta-lactam antibacterial was benzylpenicillin.
Australian guidelines: Category A ships should carry 20 ampoules (10 ampoules per 10 crew),
and Category B ships are not required to carry ceftriaxone. However, it is recommended that
Category B ships carry 5 ampoules of benzylpenicillin.
UK guidelines: Not listed. Category A ships are recommended to carry 20 ampoules cefuroxime (750mg/vial) per 10 crew; but Category B ships are not required to carry cefuroxime.
However, it is suggested that Category B ships carry 2 ampoules of benzylpenicillin.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 15 ampoules per 10 crew.
Note: Ceftriaxone is the only parenteral /antibacterial listed in the third edition of the Guide.
Shelf life: 36 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
15 ampoules per 10 crew
Category B:
5 ampoules irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Cetirizine 10mg tablets
Indication(s):
Pruritus; hay fever; scombroid fish poisoning; urticaria; anaphylaxis.
Dose(s):
Usual dose 10mg once daily or 5mg twice daily.
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. Chlorphenamine maleate was the only antihistamine recommended, and it was suggested that Category A ships carry 60 tablets (approximately 15–20 tablets
per 10 crew), and Category B ships 20 tablets (10 tablets per 10 crew). The usual dose of
chlorphenamine maleate is 4mg every 4–6 hours, maximum 24mg daily. Therefore, Category
A ships carried approximately 5 to 7 days of treatment per 10 crew, and Category B 3 days
treatment per 10 crew.
Australian guidelines: Not listed. Loratadine 10mg tablets is the only antihistamine listed, and
Category A and B ships should carry 30 tablets irrespective of crew size. The recommended
dose of loratadine is 10mg once daily.
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UK guidelines: Category A and B ships should carry 30 cetirizine 10mg tablets irrespective of
crew size.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 30 tablets irrespective of crew size.
Shelf life:
24 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
30 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category B:
30 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Charcoal, activated
Indication(s):
Treatment of poisoning and drug overdose; reduces gastrointestinal absorption
Dose(s):
Reduction of gastrointestinal absorption, 50 g
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Category A, B and C ships should carry one bottle (120g) of activated charcoal
powder.
Australian guidelines: Not listed. The Australian guidelines only recommend both Category A
and Category B ships that carry dangerous goods should keep 200 activated charcoal 300mg
tablets (60g).
UK guidelines: Not listed. There is no equivalent product recommended.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 100g (2x50g) irrespective of crew size.
Shelf life:
60 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
120g irrespective of crew size
Category B:
120g irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Ciprofloxacin 250mg tablets
Indication(s):
Cat bite; gastroenteritis; heavy gastrointestinal haemorrhage; urinary tract
infection; prostatitis; sexually transmitted infections (STIs); epididymitis;
cellulitis from wounds received in seawater; anthrax; typhoid
Dose(s):
The most common dose is 500–750mg twice a day; range 250–750mg
twice daily. Duration of therapy ranges from a single dose (e.g. for gonorrhoea), to up to 28 days (e.g. prostatitis)
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. There is no equivalent quinolone antibacterial recommended.
Australian guidelines: Category A ships should carry 28 tablets (approximately 7 to 10 tablets
per 10 crew) and Category B ships 14 tablets.
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UK guidelines: Category A ships should carry 20 tablets per 10 crew, and Category B ships 10
tablets per 10 crew. Double quantity if crew size exceeds 30.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 40 tablets irrespective of crew size.
Note:
Should double the quantity if crew size is greater than 30.
Shelf life:
60 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
20 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category B:
10 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Cloves, oil of
Indication(s):
Toothache
Dose(s):
A few drops applied to the area
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Category A ships should carry 40ml (approximately 10ml to 15ml per 10
crew) and Category B and C ships should carry 20ml (10ml per 10 crew).
Australian guidelines: Category A ships should carry 15ml (7.5ml per 10 crew) and Category
B ships carry 15ml irrespective of crew size.
UK guidelines: Category A and Category B ships should carry 10ml irrespective of crew size.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 10ml irrespective of crew size.
Shelf life:
not available
Recommendations:
Category A:
10ml per 10 crew
Category B:
10ml irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Dexamethasone injection 4mg/ml
Indication(s):
Life-threatening and severe asthma; anaphylaxis; severe allergic reactions
Dose(s):
Initially 0.4 to 20mg
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. Hydrocortisone was included as an alternative parenteral steroid.
Five (5) hydrocortisone 100mg ampoules recommended for Category A ships only (equivalent
to approximately 2 ampoules per 10 crew). Hydrocortisone 100mg is equivalent to 4mg of
dexamethasone.
Australian guidelines: Not listed. Parenteral hydrocortisone and oral prednisolone are included
as alternative steroids. Five (5) 100mg hydrocortisone ampoules recommended for Category
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A ships (equivalent to 2.5 ampoules per 10 crew), and 60 prednisolone 5mg tablets recommended for both Category A and Category B ships (equivalent to 30 tablets per 10 crew for
Category A and Category B ships).
UK guidelines: Not listed. Parenteral hydrocortisone and oral prednisolone are included as
alternative steroids. Three (3) hydrocortisone 100mg ampoules are recommended per 10
crew for Category A and 1 ampoule per 10 crew for Category B ships. Twenty eight (28)
prednisolone 5mg tablets are recommended per 10 crew for both Category A and Category
B ships.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 5 ampoules irrespective of crew size.
Note: Prednisone tablets are also listed in the third edition of the Guide.
Shelf Life:
24 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
Category B:
Category C:
3 ampoules per 10 crew
1 ampoule per 10 crew
Nil
Diazepam 5mg tablets
Indication(s):
Alcohol withdrawal; psychosis (if patient remains agitated after haloperidol)
Dose(s):
Ranges from 1 tablet as an immediate dose to 2 tablets every 6 hours (8
tablets per day)
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Two hundred (200) 5 mg tablets recommended for Category A ships and 100
tablets for Category B ships (equivalent to approximately 50 tablets per 10 crew for Category
A and Category B ships). Twenty (20) diazepam 2mg/ml ampoules are also listed for Category
A ships (equivalent to 5 ampoules per 10 crew).
Australian guidelines: Forty (40) diazepam 5mg tablets recommended for Category A ships
and 20 tablets for Category B ships irrespective of crew size. Two (2) diazepam 10mg/2ml
ampoules also recommended irrespective of crew size.
UK guidelines: Twenty eight (28) diazepam 5mg tablets recommended for Category A ships
only, irrespective of crew size. Five (5) diazepam 5mg/ml (2ml) ampoules also recommended
irrespective of crew size.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 50 diazepam 5mg tablets for 10–20 crew, and
100 for 30–40 crew.
Note: Diazepam 5mg/ml (2ml) ampoules are not listed in the third edition of the guide.
However, haloperidol injection is listed in the third edition of the Guide.
Shelf Life:
36 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
50 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category B:
20 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
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Docusate with senna tablets
Indication(s):
Constipation; to avoid straining in patients with anal fissure and
haemorrhoids
Dose(s):
1–2 tablets daily; up to 2 tablets twice daily
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. No equivalent product listed.
Australian guidelines: Not listed. Glycerol suppositories are listed for this indication, with a
suggested quantity of 12 suppositories for Category A ships (equivalent to 6 per 10 crew).
UK guidelines: Not listed. Glycerol suppositories are listed for this indication, with a suggested
quantity of 12 suppositories per 10 crew for Category A ships.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 20 tablets for 10–20 crew, and 40 tablets for
30–40 crew.
Shelf Life:
not available
Recommendations:
Category A:
30 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category B:
Nil
Category C:
Nil
Doxycycline 100mg tablets
Indication(s):
Infections such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs); cellulitis; anthrax;
plague.
Dose(s):
100mg twice daily for 5–10 days (depending on infection)
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Two hundred (200) doxycycline 100mg tablets listed for Category A ships
(equivalent to approximately 50–75 tablets per 10 crew).
Australian guidelines: Twenty one (21) doxycycline 100mg tablets recommended for Category A ships and 7 doxycycline 100mg tablets for Category B ships (equivalent to approximately
10 tablets per 10 crew for Category A).
UK guidelines: Eight (8) doxycycline 100mg capsules recommended for each 10 crew members
for Category A ships.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 20 tablets for 10–20 crew, and 40 tablets for
30–40 crew.
Note: The third edition of the Guide also includes amoxicillin/clavulanate, which could be
used for some of these indications.
Shelf Life:
48 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
Category B:
Category C:
10 tablets per 10 crew
Nil
Nil
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Ethanol, hand cleanser gel 70%
Indication:
Alternative to hand-washing when hands are not obviously soiled
Dose(s):
not applicable
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. Alcohol, rubbing (ethanol liquid) is listed for hand sanitization. Six
500ml bottles (3000ml) of Alcohol, rubbing (70% ethanol) listed for Category A ships and
two 500ml bottles (1000ml) for Category B ships (equivalent to 750–1000ml per 10 crew for
Category A ships and 500ml per 10 crew for Category B ships). The indication for rubbing
alcohol also includes disinfecting instruments and surfaces.
Australian guidelines: Not listed.
UK guidelines: Not listed.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 500ml (2 x 250ml) per 10 crew.
Shelf Life:
not available
Recommendations:
Category A:
500ml per 10 crew
Category B:
500ml irrespective of crew size
Category C:
100ml irrespective of crew size
Ethanol 70%, liquid
Indication:
Disinfection of instruments and surfaces
Dose(s):
Not applicable
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Six 500ml bottles (3000ml) of Alcohol, rubbing (70% ethyl alcohol) listed
for Category A ships and 2 x 500ml bottles (1000ml) for Category B ships (equivalent to
750–1000ml per 10 crew for Category A ships and 500ml per 10 crew for Category B ships).
The indication also includes hand sanitization, but Ethanol hand cleanser gel 70% is now
used. Category C ships were required to carry 500ml.
Australian guidelines: Not listed. One pack of 100 alcohol-impregnated swabs is recommended for each category of ship (equivalent to 50 swabs per 10 crew). The recommended
disinfecting solution for instruments is chlorhexidine + cetrimide. It is suggested that Category
A ships carry 24 x 100ml units, and Category B ships 12 x 100ml units, all irrespective of
crew size.
UK guidelines: Not listed. One 100ml bottle or 1 pack of chlorhexidine + cetrimide impregnated wipes is recommended per 10 crew for Category A and Category B ships.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 500ml for 10–20 crew and 1000ml for 30–40
crew.
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Shelf Life:
not available
Recommendations:
Category A:
500ml per 10 crew
Category B:
100ml per 10 crew
Category C:
Nil
Fluorescein 1% eye strips
Indication(s):
To detect damage to the cornea
Dose(s):
Not applicable
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: One pack of 200 fluorescein strips listed for Category A ships only (equivalent
to approximately 50–75 strips per 10 crew).
Australian guidelines: Twenty (20) individual disposable units (minims) recommended for
both Category A and Category B ships (irrespective of crew size).
UK guidelines: Twenty (20) 0.5ml individual disposable units per 10 crew recommended for
both Category A and Category B ships.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 20 strips irrespective of crew size.
Shelf Life:
15 months (unopened) – minims (individual units)
Recommendations:
Category A:
20 individual units irrespective of crew size
Category B:
20 individual units irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Furosemide injection: 40mg/4ml
Indication(s):
Severe fluid retention in the lungs (pulmonary oedema) due to cardiac
failure
Dose(s):
40mg, repeated in one hour if necessary
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. One hundred (100) furosemide (frusemide) 40mg tablets listed for
Category A ships only (equivalent to 25–30 tablets per 10 crew).
Australian guidelines: Five (5) furosemide 20mg/2ml ampoules recommended for Category A
and Category B ships (equivalent to 2.5 ampoules per 10 crew = approximately 1 ampoule of
40mg/4ml furosemide per 10 crew). Twenty (20) furosemide 40mg tablets recommended for
Category A ships only (irrespective of crew size).
UK guidelines: Two (2) furosemide 20mg/2ml ampoules per 10 crew for Category A ships only
(equivalent to 1 ampoule of 40mg/4ml furosemide per 10 crew). Twenty eight (28) furosemide
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40mg tablets recommended for both Category A and Category B ships (irrespective of crew
size).
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 5 furosemide 40mg/4ml ampoules irrespective
of crew size.
Note: Furosemide tablets are not listed in the third edition of the Guide.
Shelf Life:
60 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
5 ampoules irrespective of crew size
Category B:
5 ampoules irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Glucagon injection 1mg
Indication(s):
Hypoglycaemia
Dose(s):
1mg
Existing recommendations:
The second edition of the guide, and the Australian and UK guidelines do not provide quantities for glucagon ampoules.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry one ampoule irrespective of crew size.
Shelf Life:
36 months (prior to reconstitution)
Recommendations:
Category A:
1 ampoule irrespective of crew size
Category B:
1 ampoule irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Haloperidol injection 5mg/ml
Indication(s):
Severe psychotic hallucinations and delusions; severe agitation and
aggressiveness
Dose(s):
2–10mg repeated every 2–6 hours if needed (maximum 15mg [3 ampoules]
in 24 hours)
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. Twenty (20) chlorpromazine 25mg/ml ampoules and 80 chlorpromazine 25mg tablets are recommended for Category A ships, (equivalent to 5–6 ampoules
per 10 crew and 20–26 tablets per 10 crew). Ten (10) chlorpromazine 25mg ampoules and
40 chlorpromazine 25mg tablets are recommended for Category B ships (equivalent to 5
ampoules per 10 crew and 20 tablets per 10 crew). The recommended dose was up to 4
ampoules for delirium tremens, and up to 2 ampoules per day for other indications. Therefore,
ships were recommended to carry approximately 1–2 days treatment per 10 crew.
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Australian guidelines: Not listed. Ten (10) chlorpromazine 25mg/ml ampoules and 100
chlorpromazine 25mg tablets are recommended for Category A ships, irrespective of crew
size. Five (5) chlorpromazine 25mg ampoules and 20 chlorpromazine 25mg tablets are recommended for Category B ships, irrespective of crew size.
UK guidelines: Not listed. Five (5) chlorpromazine 25mg ampoules per 10 crew and 28
chlorpromazine 25mg tablets per 10 crew is recommended for Category A ships. Twenty eight
(28) chlorpromazine 25mg tablets per 10 crew is recommended for Category B ships, and no
parenteral chlorpromazine listed.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 5 ampoules for 10–20 crew, and 10 ampoules
for 30–40 crew.
Note: There are no oral antipsychotics listed in the third edition of the Guide. However, diazepam 5mg tablets are recommended.
Shelf Life:
60 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
5 ampoules per 10 crew
Category B:
5 ampoules irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Hydrocortisone 1% cream or ointment
Indication(s):
Allergy and other inflammatory skin conditions
Dose(s):
Apply sparingly twice per day
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Six (6) hydrocortisone 1% ointment 30g (with rectal tip) tubes listed for
Category A ships (equivalent to approximately 2 tubes per 10 crew for Category A) and 2
hydrocortisone 1% ointment 30g tubes for Category B and C ships (1 tube per 10 crew).
Australian guidelines: Two (2) hydrocortisone 1% cream or ointment 30g tubes (60g) recommended for Category A vessels (equivalent to 1 tube per 10 crew) and 1 x 30g tube for
Category B vessels. [For hygiene reasons, each tube should only be used by one patient
only.]
UK guidelines: Two (2) hydrocortisone 1% 15g cream tubes (30g) per 10 crew members for
Category A ship and no stock listed for Category B ships.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 2 tubes (20g–30g) per 10 crew.
Shelf Life:
36 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
60g or 2 tubes per 10 crew
Category B:
30g or 1 tube per 10 crew
Category C:
Nil
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International Medical Guide for Ships, Third Edition
Ibuprofen 400mg tablets
Indication(s):
Inflammation; mild to moderate pain
Dose(s):
400–800mg every 6 hours (maximum 8 tablets per day)
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. Acetylsalicylic acid was the only oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug recommended. However, paracetamol also listed.
Australian guidelines: Forty eight (48) ibuprofen 200mg or 400mg tablets recommended for
Category A ships and 24 ibuprofen 200mg or 400mg tablets recommended for Category B
ships (equivalent to 12–16 tablets per 10 crew for Category A and 6–8 tablets per 10 crew for
Category B ships). It should be noted that the Australian guide states that alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including mefenamic acid or naproxen, could be stocked in
place of ibuprofen. Five (5) diclofenac 50mg suppositories are also recommended per 10 crew
for Category A ships only.
UK guidelines: One hundred (100) ibuprofen 400mg tablets per 10 crew recommended for
Category A ships, and 50 ibuprofen 400mg tablets per 10 crew recommended for Category
B and C ships. Ten diclofenac 50mg suppositories are also recommended per 10 crew for
Category A ships only.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 50 tablets per 10 crew.
Note: The third edition lists acetylsalicylic acid and paracetamol, but no other non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs. Ibuprofen is considered a safer anti-inflammatory drug compared to
aspirin, and is the usual first choice.
Shelf Life:
36 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
100 tablets per 10 crew
Category B:
50 tablets per 10 crew
Category C:
50 tablets irrespective of crew size
Isosorbide dinitrate 5mg (sublingual tablets)
Indication(s):
Angina; myocardial infarction
Dose(s):
one tablet, repeated after 10–15 minutes
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. Forty (40) glyceryl trinitrate 0.5mg tablets recommended for this
indication for Category A vessels and 20 glyceryl trinitrate 0.5mg tablets recommended for
Category B and C vessels (equivalent to 10–15 tablets per 10 crew for Category A and approximately 5 tablets per 10 crew for Category B and C).
Australian guidelines: Not listed. Two (2) units of glyceryl trinitrate sublingual spray recommended for Category A vessels and 1 unit of glyceryl trinitrate sublingual spray recommended
for Category B and C vessels (equivalent to 1 unit per 10 crew for Category A, B and C
vessels).
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UK guidelines: Not listed. One (1) unit of glyceryl trinitrate sublingual spray per 10 crew
recommended for both Category A and Category B vessels. Glyceryl trinitrate transdermal
patches (5mg x 2) are also listed, with 4 patches per 10 crew recommended for both Category
A and Category B vessels.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 20 tablets for 10–20 crew, and 40 tablets for
30–40 crew.
Shelf Life:
not available
Recommendations:
Category A:
10 tablets per 10 crew
Category B:
10 tablets per 10 crew
Category C:
5 tablets irrespective of crew size
Lidocaine injection 1% (50mg/5ml)
Indication(s):
Local anaesthesia
Dose(s):
Up to 200mg (4 ampoules)
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Twelve (12) lidocaine (lignocaine) 2-ml ampoules recommended for Category
A ships only. This is equivalent to 3–4 ampoules per 10 crew.
Australian guidelines: Twenty five (25) lidocaine 2-ml ampoules recommended for Category
A and 5 lidocaine 2-ml ampoules recommended for Category B ships (equivalent to 12.5 x
2ml ampoules per 10 crew for Category A and 2.5 x 2ml ampoules per 10 crew for Category
B ships = 5 x 5ml ampoules per 10 crew for Category A, and 1 x 5ml ampoule per 10 crew for
Category B ships).
UK guidelines: Five (5) lidocaine 5-ml ampoules per 10 crew recommended for both Category
A and Category B ships. One lidocaine gel 2% is also recommended for Category A ships
only.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 5 ampoules for 10–20 crew, and 10 ampoules
for 30–40 crew.
Note: The literature review indicates that minor injuries such as lacerations are common on
ships.
Shelf Life:
48 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
5 ampoules per 10 crew
Category B:
5 ampoules per 10 crew
Category C:
Nil
Loperamide 2mg tablets
Indication(s):
Diarrhoea
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Dose(s):
2 tablets initially then 1 after each bowel motion; maximum of 8 tablets
per 24 hours
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. One hundred (100) codeine sulphate 30mg tablets recommended
for both Category A and Category B ships (equivalent to approximately 25–30 tablets per 10
crew for Category A and 50 tablets per 10 crew for Category B ships). The recommend dose
for diarrhoea was one tablet every four hours (6 tablets per day). Therefore, the recommended
holding was for 4–5 days treatment per 10 crew for Category A and 8–10 days per 10 crew for
Category B ships. If loperamide was used instead, this would equate to 32–40 tablets per 10
crew for Category A ships and 64–80 tablets per 10 crew for Category B ships.
Australian guidelines: Both loperamide 2mg capsules and codeine phosphate 30mg tablets
are listed for this indication. For Category A ships, 24 loperamide 2mg capsules (equivalent to
12 capsules or 1.5 days of treatment per 10 crew) while for Category B ships, 16 capsules are
recommended (equivalent to 8 capsules or one day of treatment per 10 crew).
UK guidelines: Thirty (30) loperamide 2mg capsules per 10 crew are recommended for Category A, B and C ships.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 30 tablets per 10 crew.
Note: Codeine sulphate 30mg tablets are not included in the third edition of the Guide.
Shelf Life:
60 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
30 tablets per 10 crew
Category B:
30 tablets per 10 crew
Category C:
10 tablets irrespective of crew size
Mebendazole 100mg tablets
Indication(s):
Intestinal worm infections (not tapeworms)
Dose(s):
100mg once or twice daily for up to 3 days (pinworm, round worm,
whipworm, hookworm)
300mg three times daily for 3 days then 500mg three times daily for 10
days (maximum dose of 177 tablets) (trichinellosis)
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed.
Australian guidelines: Six (6) mebendazole 100mg tablets recommended for both Category A
and Category B ships, irrespective of crew size.
UK guidelines: Six (6) mebendazole 100mg tablets recommended for both Category A and
Category B ships, irrespective of crew size.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 10 tablets for 10–20 crew and 20 tablets for
30–40 crew.
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Note: Trichinellosis is an extremely rare intestinal worm infection; the most common worm
infection is pinworm.
Shelf Life:
36 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
6 tablets, irrespective of crew size
Category B:
6 tablets, irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Metoprolol 100mg tablets
Indication(s):
Hypertension; atrial fibrillation; angina pectoris; migraine prophylaxis
Dose(s):
Hypertension: 100mg once daily
Atrial fibrillation, angina pectoris: 50mg twice daily, may be increased to
100mg twice daily
Migraine prophylaxis: 50mg twice daily
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. No alternative product listed.
Australian guidelines: Not listed. Atenolol is listed as an antihypertensive agent and 28
atenolol 50mg tablets are recommended for Category A ships only (equivalent to approximately 14 per 10 crew).
UK guidelines: Not listed. Atenolol is listed as an antihypertensive agent and 28 atenolol
50mg tablets are recommended per 10 crew for Category A ships only.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 30 tablets for 10 crew, and 60 tablets for
20–40 crew.
Note: Atenolol is given once daily compared to metoprolol which is given twice daily (for
most indications).
Shelf Life:
60 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
60 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category B:
Nil
Category C:
Nil
Metronidazole 500mg tablets
Indication(s):
Ulcerative colitis; antibiotic associated colitis; jaundice; cholecystitis;
trichomoniasis
Dose(s):
Ulcerative colitis, jaundice, cholecystitis: 500mg 3 times daily
Antibiotic-associated colitis: 500mg 3 times daily for 10 days (15 doses)
Trichomoniasis: 2g (4 tablets) as a single dose
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Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Five hundred (500) metronidazole 200mg tablets recommended for Category A ships (equivalent to 125–170 tablets per 10 crew). Two hundred (200) metronidazole
200mg tablets recommended for Category B ships (equivalent to 100 tablets per 10 crew).
Australian guidelines: Forty two (42) metronidazole 400mg tablets recommended for Category A ships (equivalent to 21 tablets per 10 crew) and 21 metronidazole 400mg tablets for
Category B ships (equivalent to approximately 10 tablets per 10 crew). Twenty (20) metronidazole 1g suppositories also listed for Category A ships only (equivalent to 10 suppositories
per 10 crew). Twenty four (24) tinidazole 500mg tablets are also recommended for Category
A ships (equivalent to 12 tablets per 10 crew) and 12 tinidazole 500mg tablets recommended
for Category B ships (equivalent to 6 tablets per 10 crew).
UK guidelines: Twenty one (21) metronidazole 400mg or 500mg tablets recommended per 10
crew for both Category A and Category B ships. Ten (10) metronidazole 1g suppositories also
recommended per 10 crew for Category A ships only.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 30 tablets irrespective of crew size.
Note: Metronidazole suppositories and tinidazole tablets are not included in the third edition
of the Guide.
Shelf Life:
60 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
30 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category B:
20 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Miconazole cream 2%
Indication(s):
Topical antifungal
Dose(s):
Apply twice daily, continuing for 2 weeks after symptoms resolve
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. Five (5) miconazole 2% vaginal creams (80g with applicator) were
recommended for Category A ships (equivalent to 1 to 2 treatments per 10 crew, as each unit
is only used for one patient) while 2 were recommended for Category B ships (equivalent to
1 treatment per 10 crew). 20 miconazole 100mg pessaries were recommended for Category A
ships, and 10 miconazole 100mg pessaries for Category B ships (equivalent to 5–6 pessaries
per 10 crew for Category A and 5 pessaries per 10 crew for Category B ships).
Australian guidelines: Two (2) 30g tubes of miconazole 2% topical cream are recommended
for Category A ships (equivalent to 1 treatment per 10 crew) and 1 tube is recommended
for Category B ships (equivalent to 1 treatment per 10 crew). One 100g unit of benzoic acid
compound ointment is recommended for Category A ships only (equivalent to 1 treatment
per 10 crew as each unit should be only used for one patient). Two (2) miconazole 2% vaginal
cream (40g with applicator) and 2 packs of 7 miconazole 100mg pessaries are also recommended for Category A ships and one tube of vaginal cream for Category B ships.
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UK guidelines: Two (2) individual 30g tubes of miconazole 2% topical cream recommended for Category A ships (equivalent to 2 treatments per 10 crew) and 1 individual 30g
tube of miconazole 2% topical cream for Category B ships (1 treatment per 10). Three
(3) 15g units of benzoic acid compound ointment are recommended for Category A ships
(equivalent to 3 per 10 crew) and 1 unit per 10 crew for Category B ships. If women are
on board it is also recommended to stock 2 clotrimazole 500mg pessaries for Category A
ships (equivalent to 2 treatments per 10 crew) and 1 for Category B ships (equivalent to 1
treatment to 10 crew).
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 2 tubes of miconazole 2% cream per
10 crew.
Note: There are no specific vaginal preparations listed in the third edition of the guide. Quantities should be doubled if women are on board the ship.
Shelf Life:
24 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
2 x 30g tube per 10 crew
Category B:
1 x 30g tube per 10 crew
Category C:
Nil
Midazolam injection 5mg/ml
Indication(s):
Seizures (epileptic fits); alternative to haloperidol for sedation of violent
patients
Dose(s):
0.1–0.2 mg/kg (approximately 10–15mg) IM or 10mg intranasally
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. Twenty (20) ampoules diazepam injection 10mg/ml were recommended for Category A ships only (equivalent to approximately 5–7 ampoules per 10 crew).
The maximum recommended dose of diazepam for seizures is 50mg (or 5 ampoules) over 60
minutes. Therefore Category A ships would carry enough to treat approximately one patient
at maximum doses per 10 crew.
Australian guidelines: Not listed. Five (5) diazepam rectal 10mg preparations are recommended for both Category A and Category B ships. The maximum dose is 10mg. Therefore this is
equivalent to 2.5 treatments per 10 crew.
UK guidelines: Not listed. Five (5) diazepam rectal 10mg preparations are recommended for
both Category A and Category B vessels. The maximum dose is 10mg. Therefore this is
equivalent to 5 treatments per 10 crew.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 5 ampoules for 10–20 crew, and 10 ampoules
for 30–40 crew.
Note: Based on the recommended doses in the third edition of the guide, up to 3 ampoules
would be used for one patient with a seizure.
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Shelf Life:
36 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
10 ampoules irrespective of crew size
Category B:
5 ampoules irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Misoprostol 200microgram tablets
Indication(s):
Prevention of post-partum haemorrhage
Dose(s):
600 micrograms (3 tablets) immediately after delivery
Existing recommendations:
The second edition of the Guide, and the Australian and UK guidelines do not provide quantities for misoprostol tablets.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 3 tablets irrespective of crew size.
Note: Given the indication, this is only required if females are on board the ship.
Shelf Life:
36 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
3 tablets, irrespective of crew size
Category B:
3 tablets, irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Morphine ampoules 10mg/ml
Indication(s):
severe pain and pain not responsive to other analgesics
Dose(s):
2.5mg–12.5mg every two hours dependent on age
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Twenty (20) ampoules for Category A ships (equivalent to 2–3 ampoules per
10 crew), and 10 ampoules for Category B ships (equivalent to 2.5 ampoules per 10 crew).
Australian guidelines: Ten (10) ampoules for Category A ships (equivalent to 5 ampoules per
10 crew), and 5 ampoules for Category B ships (equivalent to 2.5 ampoules per 10 crew).
UK guidelines: Ten (10) ampoules per 10 crew for Category A and Category B ships
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 10 ampoules for every 10 crew.
Shelf Life:
36 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
10 ampoules per 10 crew
Category B:
10 ampoules per 10 crew
Category C:
Nil
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Morphine liquid 1mg/ml
Indication(s):
severe pain in patients able to eat or drink
Dose(s):
3.75mg–18.75mg every two hours dependent on age
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. No equivalent recommended.
Australian guidelines: Not listed. Codeine phosphate 30mg recommended. Sixty (60) tablets for
Category A ships (equivalent to 30 tablets per 10 crew; equivalent to 112ml of morphine 1mg/ml
liquid per 10 crew), 30 tablets for Category B ships (equivalent to 15 tablets per 10 crew; equivalent to 60ml of morphine 1mg/ml liquid per 10 crew), and 20 tablets for Category C ships (equivalent to 10 tablets per 10 crew; equivalent to 37.5ml of morphine 1mg/ml liquid per 10 crew)
UK guidelines: Not listed. Codeine phosphate 30mg recommended. Twenty-eight (28) tablets
per 10 crew for both Category A and Category B ships (equivalent to 105ml of morphine 1mg/
ml liquid per 10 crew).
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 100ml of morphine 1mg/ml liquid irrespective
of crew size.
Notes: Codeine is also used for diarrhoea in the Australian Guidelines. The conversion between
codeine and morphine was 240mg of oral codeine being equivalent to 30mg of oral morphine.
Therefore, each 30mg tablet of codeine is approximately equivalent 3.75ml of morphine 1mg/
ml liquid. Double quantity if crew size exceeds 30.
Shelf Life:
36 months – opened containers must be used in 3 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
100ml irrespective of crew size
Category B:
100ml irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Naloxone ampoules 0.4mg/ml
Indication(s):
reverse the effects of opiates, particularly in overdose
Dose(s):
0.4mg, repeated as needed
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Six (6) ampoules for Category A ships only (equivalent to 1 to 2 ampoules
per 10 crew).
Australian guidelines: Five (5) ampoules for both Category A and B ships (equivalent to 2.5
ampoules per 10 crew)
UK guidelines: Not listed. No equivalent recommended.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 10 ampoules irrespective of crew size.
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Shelf Life:
36 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
10 ampoules irrespective of crew size
Category B:
5 ampoules irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Omeprazole tablets 20mg
Indication(s):
Gastro-oesophageal reflux and peptic ulcer disease
Dose(s):
20mg daily; increase to 40mg if needed
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. Only simple antacids recommended.
Australian guidelines: Not listed. Cimetidine 400mg tablets recommended. Sixty (60) tablets
for Category A ships only (equivalent to 30 tablets per 10 crew; equivalent to 15 days treatment per 10 crew).
UK guidelines: Not listed. Cimetidine 400mg tablets recommended. Sixty (60) tablets for
Category A ships only (equivalent to 30 days treatment per 10 crew).
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 30 omeprazole 20mg tablets for 10–20 crew,
and 60 omeprazole 20mg tablets for 30–40 crew.
Notes: The daily treatment dose of cimetidine was assumed to be 800mg per day. No other
antacid is listed in the 3rd edition of the Guide. Double quantity if crew size exceeds 30.
Shelf Life:
36 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
30 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category B:
30 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Ondansetron tablets 4mg
Indication(s):
prevent vomiting and sea-sickness
Dose(s):
one tablet before the stimulus to vomit
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. Cyclizine 50mg tablets listed. Four-hundred (400) tablets for
Category A ships (equivalent to 100–130 tablets per 10 crew), and 100 tablets for Category B
and C ships (equivalent to 50 tablets per 10 crew).
Australian guidelines: Not listed. Prochlorperazine 5mg tablets recommended. Twenty-five
(25) tablets for Category A and B ships irrespective of crew size.
UK guidelines: Not listed. Prochlorperazine 3mg buccal tablets recommended. Fifty (50)
tablets for Category A and B ships irrespective of crew size.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 10 ondansetron 4mg tablets for 10–20 crew,
and 20 ondansetron 4mg tablets for 30–40 crew.
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Notes: No other anti-emetics are listed in the 3rd edition of the Guide
Shelf Life:
36 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
10 tablets per 10 crew
Category B:
10 tablets per 10 crew
Category C:
10 tablets irrespective of crew size
Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) sachets
Indication(s):
Prevention and treatment of dehydration, especially due to diarrhoea
Dose(s):
Sachets are to be reconstituted with the appropriate volume of boiled,
cooled water and taken according to recommendations (1 cup i.e., 250
ml, for each diarrhoeal stool associated with infectious diseases for mild
dehydration; every hour for the first four hours for moderate dehydration)
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Fifty (50) bags/sachets (each to be dissolved in 1000ml, solution is stable for
24 hours) for Category A ships and 20 bags/sachets for Category B ships. As each bag/sachet
is made up to 1000ml treatments, this is equivalent to 50l for Category A and 20l for Category
B ships (equivalent to 12–15l per 10 crew for Category A and 10l per 10 crew for Category B).
Category C vessels hold 5l.
Australian guidelines: One hundred and twenty (120) sachets per 20 crew are held for
Category A ships and 40 sachets are held for Category B ships. Each sachet is designed to be
dissolved in 200ml. Therefore Category A ships carry the equivalent of 24l and Category B 8l
(equivalent to 12l per 10 crew for Category A and 4l per 10 crew for Category B).
UK guidelines: 16–20 sachets per 10 crew for both Category A and B ships. Each sachet is
designed to be dissolved in 1l of water. Therefore both Category A and Category B ships carry
16–20l per 10 crew.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 10 sachets for 10–20 crew, and 20 sachets for
30–40 crew; the volume that the sachets produce is not stated. It is assumed that each makes 1l.
Note: For commercial preparations such as Gastrolyte®, each sachet is to be mixed with 200ml
of water. Therefore 75 sachets would be required for 15l of oral rehydration solution, 50
sachets for 10l and 10 sachets for 2l.
Shelf Life:
24 months (Dioralyte®)
Recommendations:
Category A:
15l per 10 crew
Category B:
10l per 10 crew
Category C:
2l irrespective of crew size
Oxymetazoline 0.5% nasal drops (or equivalent vasoconstrictor spray or drops)
Indication(s):
Nasal obstruction due to allergies or viral infection, or to improve sinus
drainage in sinusitis.
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Dose(s):
2–3 drops in each nostril twice daily or at night if disturbed sleep is the
main complaint. [An individual dose unit should be used for each patient
for hygiene reasons.]
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. Category A ships recommended to hold 100 ephedrine 25mg
tablets (equivalent to 25–30 tablets per 10 crew), and Category B ships were not required
to carry any ephedrine tablets. At the recommended dose (one tablet four times a day) this
would equate to 5–6 days treatment per 10 crew for Category A ships only.
Australian guidelines: Not listed. Ephedrine 0.5% nasal drops BP; 2 units for Category A ships
and 1 unit for Category B ships, irrespective of crew size. Category A ships are recommended
to carry 120 generic ‘cold and flu’ tablets, which would contain an oral decongestant (equivalent to 30–40 tablets per 10 crew = 6–10 days treatment per 10 crew). Category B ships were
not required to carry any ‘cold and flu’ tablets.
UK guidelines: Not listed. Ephedrine 0.5% nasal drops; 1 unit for Category A and Category B
ships, irrespective of crew size. Category A and B ships were recommended to carry proprietary cold remedy ‘as required’
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 4 units for 10 crew, and one additional unit for
each additional 10 crew above 10 (e.g. 5 units for 20 crew, 6 units for 30 crew).
Note: The third edition does not recommend any oral decongestant agent.
Shelf Life:
36 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
2 units per 10 crew
Category B:
1 unit per 10 crew
Category C:
Nil
Paracetamol 500mg tablets
Indication(s):
Pain and fever
Dose(s):
Two tablets (1g) four times a day (maximum 8 tablets per day)
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Category A ships should carry 300 tablets (approximately 70 to 100 tablets
per 10 crew) and Category B ships 150 tablets (75 tablets per 10 crew). Category C ships were
required to carry 100 tablets.
Australian guidelines: Category A and Category B ships should carry 500 tablets (250 tablets
per 10 crew). Category C ships were required to carry 50 tablets.
UK guidelines: Category A ships should carry 100 tablets per 10 crew and Category B and C
ships 50 tablets per 10 crew.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 100 tablets per 10 crew.
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Shelf life: 36–60 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
100 tablets per 10 crew
Category B:
50 tablets per 10 crew
Category C:
25 tablets per 10 crew
Permethrin 1% lotion
Indication(s):
Hair, pubic and body lice
Dose(s):Apply to the hair and keep in contact for 5 minutes then rinse; treat all
close contacts
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. The alternative product listed is lindane cream. The recommended
holding was 12 x 60g tubes for Category A ships, and 2 x 60g tubes for Category B ships
(approximately 3 to 4 tubes per 10 crew for Category A, and 1 tube per 10 crew for Category
B ships). Lindane also recommended for the treatment of scabies.
Australian guidelines: Category A ships should carry 200ml of permethrin 1% hair application
irrespective of crew size, and there was no recommended holding for Category B ships.
UK guidelines: Category A ships should carry two bottles of permethrin 1% crème rinse
irrespective of crew size, and there was no recommended holding for Category B ships.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 250ml for 10–20 crew, and 500ml for
30–40 crew.
Note: The third edition of the guide recommends separate treatment for head lice and scabies.
Double quantity if crew size exceeds 30.
Shelf life: 24 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
200ml irrespective of crew size
Category B:
100ml irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Permethrin 5% lotion
Indication(s):
Scabies
Dose(s):Apply to the entire body from the neck down and leave on for 8–12 hours
before rinsing
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. The alternative product listed is lindane cream. The recommended
holding was 12 x 60g tubes for Category A ships, and 2 x 60g tubes for Category B ship
(approximately 3 to 4 tubes per 10 crew for Category A, which equates to 3–4 treatments per
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10 crew and 1 tube per 10 crew for Category; one treatment per 10 crew). Lindane was also
suggested for the treatment of head lice.
Australian guidelines: Category A ships should carry 6 x 30g tubes of permethrin 5% cream
(3 x 30g tubes per 10 crew = 3 treatments per 10 crew). Category B ships were recommended
to carry 2 x 30g (1 tube per 10 crew; 1 treatment per 10 crew) of permethrin 5%.
UK guidelines: There is no recommendation to carry the 5% lotion for either Category A or
Category B ships.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 250g for 10–20 crew, and 500g for 30–40 crew.
Note: Australian pack sizes (Quellada®) are 100ml for the treatment of one adult.
Shelf life:
not available
Recommendations:
Category A:
300ml irrespective of crew size
Category B:
100ml irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Povidone iodine 10% solution
Indication(s):
Disinection of skin and wounds
Dose(s):
Not applicable
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. The recommended skin disinfectant was iodine solution. It was
recommended that Category A ships carry 400ml and Category B ships 200ml (approximately
100–150ml per 10 crew for Category A and 100ml per 10 crew for Category B). Category C
ships were required to carry 100ml.
Australian guidelines: Not listed. The recommended disinfectant is cetrimide + chlorhexidine
solution. The recommended holding of this is 2400ml for Category A ships, and 1200ml for
Category B ships irrespective of crew size.
UK guidelines: Not listed. The recommended disinfectant is cetrimide + chlorhexidine solution.
The recommended holding of this is 100ml for Category A and Category B ships irrespective
of crew size.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 2 bottles (30ml–120ml) per 10 crew, and one
additional bottle for every 10 crew over 10 (e.g. 3 bottles for 20 crew, 4 for 30 crew).
Note: Povidone iodine should be used sparingly and is generally not recommended by most
wound specialists.
Shelf life:
36 months (unopened)
Recommendations:
Category A:
100ml per 10 crew
Category B:
100ml per 10 crew
Category C:
100ml irrespective of crew size
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Povidone iodine 10% ointment
Indication(s):
Minor wounds
Dose(s):
Not applicable
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. There are no alternative antiseptic ointments recommended.
Australian guidelines: Not listed. Silver sulfadiazine cream is recommended for the treatment
of burns.
UK guidelines: Not listed. Silver sulfadiazine cream is recommended for the treatment of burns.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 2 tubes for 10 crew and one additional tube
for every additional 10 crew (e.g 3 tubes for 20 crew, 4 for 30 crew).
Note: Povidone iodine should be used sparingly and is generally not recommended by most
wound specialists.
Shelf life:
36 months (unopened)
Recommendations:
Category A:
one tube (25g) irrespective of crew size
Category B:
one tube (25g) irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Prednisone 25mg tablets
Indication(s):
Acute asthma attack; severe inflammatory reactions
Dose(s):
Usual dose 25mg to 50mg per day
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed. The recommended steroid for acute asthma and severe inflammation was hydrocortisone injection.
Australian guidelines: Not listed. Category A and B ships to carry 60 prednisone 5mg tablets
(30 x 5mg tablets per 10 crew, equivalent to 6 x 25mg tablets per 10 crew).
UK guidelines: Not listed. Category A and B ships to carry 28 x 5mg tablets per 10 crew. This
is equivalent to approximately 6 x 25mg per 10 crew.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 30 tablets for 10–20 crew and 60 tablets for
30–40 crew.
Note: Dexamethasone injection is also listed in the third edition of the Guide to treat severe
asthma and inflammatory conditions.
Shelf life:
36–60 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
30 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category B:
30 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
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Salbutamol inhaler 100ug/dose (200 doses per inhaler)
Indication(s):
Acute asthma and anaphylaxis
Dose(s):
Awo to four doses via spacer repeated every 10 minutes if necessary.
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Category A ships should carry two inhalers and Category B one inhaler
(approximately one inhaler per 10 crew for Category A).
Australian guidelines: Category A ships should carry two inhalers and Category B ships one
inhaler (one inhaler per 10 crew for Category A).
UK guidelines: Category A and B ships to carry one inhaler per 10 crew.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry one inhaler per 10 crew.
Shelf life:
36 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
one inhaler per 10 crew
Category B:
one inhaler per 10 crew
Category C:
Nil
Sodium chloride 0.9% infusion, 1 Litre
Indication(s):
Fluid replacement
Dose(s):
Not applicable
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Category A ships should carry 6 x 1litre and Category B ships 2 x 1litre (approximately 2litre per 10 crew for Category A and 1litre per 10 crew for Category B ships).
Australian guidelines: Category A ships carry 5 x 1litre and Category B ships 3 x 1litre
(approximately 2litre per 10 crew for Category A and B ships). [Only recommended for ships
that carry hazardous materials.]
UK guidelines: Not listed.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 5 x 1litre infusions irrespective of crew size.
Shelf life:
not available
Recommendations:
Category A:
5 x 1litre irrespective of crew size
Category B:
1 x 1litre per 10 crew
Category C:
Nil
Tetracycline eye ointment
Indication(s):
Eye and ear infections
Dose(s):
Applied to the eye every 4 to 6 hours; 5g instilled into the ear canal
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Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Category A ships should hold 6 tubes and Category B ships 3 tubes (approximately 2 tubes per 10 crew for Category A and B). Category C ships were required to carry
1 tube.
Australian guidelines: Not listed. The alternative antibiotic eye ointment recommended
is framycetin eye ointment. Category A ships carry 5 tubes and Category B carry 2 tubes
(approximately 2 tubes per 10 crew for Category A ships, and one tube per 10 crew for
Category B ships).
UK guidelines: Not listed. The alternative antibiotic eye ointment recommended is chloramphenicol eye ointment. Category A ships carry 4 tubes per 10 crew and Category B ships carry
1 tube per 10 crew.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 2 tubes per 10 crew.
Note: Both the Australian and UK guidelines also list antibiotic eye drops and antibiotic ear
drops; the third edition of the guide does not include any other treatments for eye or ear
infections.
Shelf life:
not available
Recommendations:
Category A:
2 tubes per 10 crew
Category B:
1 tube per 10 crew
Category C:
1 tube irrespective of crew size
Vitamin K injection 10mg/ml
Indication(s):
Reverse unwanted effects of warfarin or similar drugs (e.g. rat poison)
Dose(s):
10mg subcutaneously
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Not listed.
Australian guidelines: Only lists vitamin K for paediatric use (one ampoule per ship regardless
of crew size) and for ships carrying hazardous cargo: 10 ampoules for Category A ships only
(equivalent of 5 ampoules per 10 crew).
UK guidelines: Only lists vitamin K for paediatric use (one ampoule per ship regardless of
crew size).
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 2 ampoules irrespective of crew size.
Shelf life:
36 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
2 ampoules irrespective of crew size
Category B:
2 ampoules irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
37
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Quantification Addendum
International Medical Guide for Ships, Third Edition
Water for injection
Indication(s):
Reconstituting parenteral medications
Dose(s):
Not applicable
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Category A ships hold 30 x 5ml ampoules, and Category B ships 20 x 5ml
ampoules (equivalent to 5–10 ampoules per 10 crew for Category A and 10 ampoules per 10
crew for Category B ships).
Australian guidelines: Water for injection listed to reconstitute benzylpenicillin injections.
Twenty (20) ampoules for Category A ships, and 5 ampoules for Category B ships (equivalent
to 10 ampoules per 10 crew for Category A ships).
UK guidelines: Not listed.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 20 ampoules for 10 crew, and an additional 10
ampoules for each 10 crew over 10 (e.g. 30 ampoules for 20 crew, 40 for 30 crew).
Note: The only injection requiring water for injection in the third edition of the Guide is
ceftriaxone.
Shelf life: not available
Recommendations:
Category A:
10 ampoules per 10 crew
Category B:
5 ampoules irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
Zidovudine plus lamivudine 300mg/150mg tablets
Indication(s):
Prophylaxis against HIV after needle-stick injury
Dose(s):
One tablet twice a day for four weeks (56 tablets per course)
Existing recommendations:
The second edition of the Guide and the Australian and UK guidelines do not provide quantities for zidovudine plus lamivudine tablets. No equivalent product listed.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry at least 60 zidovudine plus lamivudine tablets.
Note: According to the third edition of the Guide, HIV prophylaxis is not required for all
needle-stick injuries and the treatment course would be stopped if a negative blood result for
HIV is obtained.
Shelf life:
24 months
Recommendations:
Category A:
56 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category B:
56 tablets irrespective of crew size
Category C:
Nil
38
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Quantification Addendum
International Medical Guide for Ships, Third Edition
Zinc oxide paste/ointment
Indication(s):
Protect irritated skin (e.g. anal pruritus)
Dose(s):
Not applicable
Existing recommendations:
Second edition: Category A ships hold 12 x 30g tubes and Category B and C ships, 3 x 30g
tubes (equivalent to 3–4 tubes [90g–120g] per 10 crew for Category A ships and 1–2 tubes
[30g–60g] per 10 crew for Category B and C ships).
Australian guidelines: Category A and Category B ships should keep 1 x 100g unit irrespective
of crew size.
UK guidelines: Category A ships should keep 1 x 25g tube of zinc oxide ointment irrespective
of crew size, and Category B ships are not required to keep zinc oxide ointment.
IMHA guidance: Category A ships should carry 5 tubes/tubs (50g–100g) irrespective of
crew size.
Shelf life: not available
Recommendations:
Category A:
200g irrespective of crew size
Category B:
100g irrespective of crew size
Category C:
100g irrespective of crew size
39
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Quantification Addendum
International Medical Guide for Ships, Third Edition
Acknowledgements: This text was prepared in December 2009 by David Newby and Felicity
Prior at the University of Newcastle WHO Collaborating Centre for Training in Pharmacoeconomics and Rational Pharmacotherapy, Waratah, New South Wales, Australia.
Conflicts-of-interest: Neither author has declared any conflicts-of-interest.
Review-by date: Based on feedback received from users of this quantification addendum,
WHO plans to incorporate a quantification list in the fourth edition of the International
Medical Guide for Ships, scheduled for publication in 2012.
40
WHO_IMGFS_2001B253.indd 40
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41
WHO_IMGFS_2001B253.indd 41
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tab
powder
tab
liq
amp
tab
tab
tab
gel
Cetirizine
Charcoal, activated
Ciprofloxacin
Cloves, oil of
Dexamethasone
Diazepam
Docusate with senna
Doxycycline
Ethanol, hand
cleanser
tab
Artemether +
lumefantrine
amp
amp
Artemether
Ceftriaxone
tab
Amoxicillin/
clavulanic acid
tab
amp
Adrenaline
Azithromycin
tab
Aciclovir
amp
tab
Acetylsalicylic acid
Atropine
Forma
Name
70%
100mg
50mg/8mg
5mg
4mg/ml
250mg
10mg
1g
500mg
1.2mg/ml
20mg/120mg
80mg/ml
875mg/125mg
1mg/ml
400mg
300mg
Strength
Hand cleaning
Infections
Constipation
Alcohol withdrawal
Severe asthma/
anaphylaxis
Toothache
Infections
Poisoning
Hayfever/hives/dermatitis
Infections
Infections
MI/organophosphate
poisoning
Malaria treatment
Malaria treatment
Infections
Anaphylaxis
Herpes simplex/zoster
Pain, fever, blood clots
Indicationb
A
-
200
-
200
5*
40ml
-
120g
60*
-
300*
60
200*
20*
-
20
-
600
B
-
-
-
100
-
20ml
-
120g
20*
-
100*
10
100*
-
-
10
-
300
C
-
-
-
-
-
20ml
-
120g
-
-
-
-
100*
-
-
10
-
200
second edition of the Guidec
Ethanol liquid only
No equivalent recommended
Hydrocortisone 100mg amp
No equivalent recommended
Chlorphenamine 4mg tablets
Benzyl penicillin only
Erythromycin only macrolide
0.5mg/ml
Quinine tablets (A); chloroquine
(B/C)
Quinine 600mg injection
Ampicillin only oral beta-lactam
Epinephrine
No equivalent recommended
No other anti-inflammatories
Notes on the second edition of
the Guided
Annex 1: Mapping of the medicines in the third edition of the Guide to the quantities
in the second edition
42
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Forma
liq
eye strips
amp
amp
amp
crm
tab
tab
amp
tab
tab
tab
tab
crm
amp
tab
amp
liq
amp
tab
tab
Name
Ethanol
Fluorescein
Frusemide
Glucagon
Haloperidol
Hydrocortisone
Ibuprofen
Isosorbide dinitrate
Lignocaine
Loperamide
Mebendazole
Metoprolol
Metronidazole
Miconazole
Midazolam
Misoprostol
Morphine
Morphine
Naloxone
Omeprazole
Ondanestron
4mg
20mg
0.4mg/ml
1mg/ml
10mg/ml
200ug
5mg/ml
2%
500mg
100mg
100mg
2mg
1%, 5ml
5mg
400mg
1%
5mg/ml
1mg
40mg/4ml
1%
70%
Strength
Vomiting, sea-sickness
Reflux, peptic ulcers
-
-
-
-
Severe pain in patients
able to eat and drink
Opiate overdose
20
-
20*
5*
500*
-
-
100*
12
40*
-
6*
20*
-
-
200
3000ml
A
-
-
-
-
10
-
-
2*
200*
-
-
100*
-
20*
-
2*
10*
-
-
-
1000ml
B
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
20*
-
2*
-
-
-
-
500ml
C
second edition of the Guidec
Severe pain
Post-partum haemorrhage
Epileptic fits
Fungal skin infections
Infections
HTN/AF/Angina/Migraine
Intestinal worms
Diarrhoea
Suturing/minor surgery
Angina/MI
Inflammation/pain
Allergy/inflammatory skin
Psychosis/severe agitation
Hypoglycaemia
Pulmonary oedema
Detect corneal damage
Disinfect instruments
Indicationb
Cyclizine 50mg
No equivalent recommended
Diazepam 10mg/ml
Vaginal cream 80g; pessaries also
200mg tablets
No equivalent recommended
No equivalent recommended
Codeine 30mg tabs; also for cough
Glyceryl trinitrate
Aspirin only NSAID
Ointment; also for rectal use
Chlorpromazine 25mg/ml
No equivalent recommended
Frusemide 40mg tablets only (A)
For hand sanitization also
Notes on the second edition of
the Guided
43
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eye drop
eye oint
amp
amp
tab
paste/oint
Tetracaine
[amethocaine]
Tetracycline
Vitamin K
Water for injection
Zidovudine +
lamivudine
Zinc oxide
20%
300mg/150mg
5ml
10mg/ml
1%
0.50%
0.9%, 1 Litre
100ug/dose
25mg
10%
10%
5%
1%
Irritated skin
Needle-stick injury
prophylaxis
Reconstitute injections
Reverse warfarin or similar
Minor eye infections
Eye examination
12
-
30
-
6
2
6
2
Asthma/bronchitis/
emphysema
Fluid replacement
-
Asthma/inflammatory
conditions
-
12*
12*
300
-
50*
400ml*
A
-
2*
2*
150
-
20*
3
-
20
-
3
1
2
1
-
200ml*
B
-
-
-
100
-
5*
3
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
100ml*
C
second edition of the Guidec
Disinfect skin/wounds
Disinfect skin/wounds
Scabies
Lice
Pain and fever
Nasal obstruction/drain
sinuses
Dehydration due to
diarrhoea
Indicationb
30g tubes of zinc oxide paste
No equivalent recommended
10ml bottles
Hydrocortisone injection only
Iodine solution
Iodine solution recommended
Lindane crm 60g tubes; also for lice
Lindane crm 60g tubes; also for
scabies
Only ephedrine tablets (A)
Each sachet makes 1litre
Notes on the second edition of
the Guided
a. amp=ampoule; crm=cream; drp=drop; ; inh=inhalation; liq=liquid; lot=lotion; oint=ointment; tab=tablet
b. AF=atrial fibrillation; HTN=hypertension; MI=myocardial infarction
c. Category of ship; see main text for definitions; quantities marked with an * indicate quantities based on alternative medicines mentioned in the notes
section.
d. Letters in brackets (e.g. (A)) refer to the category of ship that the notes relate to; NSAID=non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug
liq
liq
Povidone iodine
Sodium chloride
oint
Povidone iodine
inh
lot
Permethrin
Salbutamol
lot
Permethrin
tab
tab
Paracetamol
Prednisone
0.50%
nasal
drop
Oxymetazoline
500mg
sachet
powder
Oral Rehydration
Solution
Strength
Forma
Name
44
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tab
powder
tab
liq
Cetirizine
Charcoal,
activated
Ciprofloxacin
Cloves, oil of
amp
amp
Ceftriaxone
Dexamethasone
tab
amp
Artemether
Azithromycin
tab
Amoxicillin/
clavulanic acid
amp
amp
Adrenaline
Atropine
tab
Aciclovir
tab
tab
Acetylsalicylic
acid
Artemether +
lumefantrine
Forma
Name
4mg/ml
250mg
10mg
1g
500mg
1.2mg/ml
20mg/120mg
80mg/ml
875mg/125mg
1mg/ml
400mg
300mg
Strength
A
5*
15ml
28
200*
30*+
20
100*
15
-
-
-
5+
-
-
B
-
15ml+
14
200*
30*+
-
50*
15
-
-
-
5+
-
-
C
Australian guidelinesb
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
No alternative
recommended
Hydrocortisone 100mg
amp
3*
10ml+
20
-
20*
Cat. B carry benzyl
penicillin
300mg tablets; only for
ships carrying dangerous
goods
28*
Erythromycin 250mg
tablets
30+
-
Only for ships carrying
dangerous goods
Loratadine 10mg tablets
-
-
No parenteral
recommended
Alternative
oral treatments
recommended
-
Alternative oral
antibiotics recommended
10
-
30+
-
28*
-
-
-
-
5+
-
-
1*
10ml+
B
UK guidelinesd
10+
-
A
Other NSAIDs
recommended
Note on the Australian
guidelinesc
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
C
Hydrocortisone 100mg
amp
No alternative
recommended
Cefuroxime 750mg
amp; Cat. B carry benzyl
penicillin
Erythromycin 250mg
tablets
Only recommended for
‘doctors bag’
Alternative
oral treatments
recommended
No parenteral
recommended
Alternative oral
antibiotics recommended
And/or Epipen® also
carried
No alternative
recommended
Other NSAIDs
recommended
Notes on the UK
guidelinese
Annex 2: Mapping of the medicines in the third edition of the Guide to the quantities
recommended in the Australian and UK guidelines for ships
45
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70%
1%
tab
tab
gel
liq
eye
strip
amp
amp
amp
crm
tab
tab
amp
tab
tab
tab
Docusate with
senna
Doxycycline
Ethanol, hand
cleanser
Ethanol
Fluorescein
Frusemide
Glucagon
Haloperidol
Hydrocortisone
Ibuprofen
Isosorbide
dinitrate
Lignocaine
Loperamide
Mebendazole
Metoprolol
100mg
100mg
2mg
1%, 5ml
5mg
400mg
1%
5mg/ml
1mg
40mg/4ml
70%
100mg
50mg/8mg
5mg
tab
Diazepam
Strength
Forma
Name
-
21
12*
40+
28*
6+
24
25*
2*
48
2
10*+
-
5*
20*+
2400ml*+
A
-
7
-
20+
-
6+
16
5*
1*
24
1
5*+
-
5*
20*+
1200ml*+
B
C
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1*
Australian guidelinesb
-
8
12*
28+
-
5*
No equivalent
recommended
Chlorpromazine 25mg
amps; also tabs
Atenolol 50mg tabs
Also list codeine tabs
2ml amps
GTN sublingual spray
200mg or 400mg tabs;
alternative NSAIDs also
provided
28*
6+
30
5
1*
100
2
2*
20mg/2ml amps; also
frusemide tabs
30g tubes
20
100ml*
A
-
-
-
-
-
6+
30
5
1*
50
-
-
-
-
20
100ml*
B
UK guidelinesd
Individual disposable
units
Cetrimide+chlorhexidine
solution plus 100 alcohol
impregnated swabs
No equivalent
recommended
Glycerine suppositories
Also recommend 2x
diazepam amp
Note on the Australian
guidelinesc
-
-
30
-
-
50
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
C
Atenolol tablets
Lignocaine gel for Cat A
GTN spray or patches
Diclofenac suppositories
also for Cat A
30g tubes
Chlorpromazine 25mg
amps; also tabs for Cat
A and B
No equivalent
recommended
20mg/2ml amps; also
frusemide tabs
Individual disposable
units
Cetrimide+chlorhexidine
solution or 100
impregnated swabs
No equivalent
recommended
Glycerine suppositories
Also recommends 5x
diazepam amp
Notes on the UK
guidelinese
46
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sachet
0.50%
crm
amp
tab
amp
liq
amp
tab
tab
powder
nasal
drop
tab
lot
lot
oint
liq
Miconazole
Midazolam
Misoprostol
Morphine
Morphine
Naloxone
Omeprazole
Ondanestron
Oral Rehydration
Solution
Oxymetazoline
Paracetamol
Permethrin
Permethrin
Povidone iodine
Povidone iodine
10%
10%
5%
1%
500mg
4mg
20mg
0.4mg/ml
1mg/ml
10mg/ml
200mcg
5mg/ml
2%
500mg
tab
Metronidazole
Strength
Forma
Name
500
2*+
120
-
-
5
-
10
-
5*
2
42*
2400ml*+
-
6*
200ml+
A
-
2*
-
500
1*+
40
-
-
5
-
5
-
5*
1
21*
1200ml*+
B
C
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
50
Australian guidelinesb
5*
-
Diazepam 10mg rectal
preparation
No equivalent
recommended
-
100ml*+
Silver sulfadiazine cream
for burns
Cetrimide+chlorhexidine
solution; also used to
disinfect
2+
100
1*+
16-20
-
-
-
-
Permethrin 5% cream x
30g tubes
Ephedrine 0.5% nasal
drops
Each sachet makes
200ml
Prochlorperazine 5mg
Cimetidine 400mg
Codeine phosphate 30mg
2
30g tubes; vaginal
preparations also
recommended; benzoic
acid oint also
10
21
A
-
-
-
50
1*+
16-20
-
-
-
-
10
-
5*
1
21
100ml*+
B
UK guidelinesd
400mg tabs; tinidazole
also recommended
Note on the Australian
guidelinesc
-
-
-
-
50
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
C
Cetrimide+chlorhexidine
solution; also used to
disinfect
Silver sulfadiazine cream
for burns
2 bottle, size not stated
Ephedrine nasal drops
Each sachet makes 1L
Prochlorperazine 3mg
buccal tablets
Cimetidine 400mg
No equivalent
recommended
Codeine phosphate 30mg
No equivalent
recommended
Diazepam 10mg rectal
preparation
30g tubes; Benzoic acid
oint also
Suppositories also for
Cat A
Notes on the UK
guidelinese
47
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300mg/150mg
20%
inh
liq
eye
drop
eye oint
amp
amp
tab
paste/
oint
Salbutamol
Sodium chloride
Tetracaine
[amethocaine]
Tetracycline
Vitamin K
Water for
injection
Zidovudine +
lamivudine
Zinc oxide
A
100g+
-
20
10*
5*
20+
5*
2
60*
B
100g+
-
5
-
2*
20+
3*
1
60*
C
Australian guidelinesb
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
25g+
-
-
For reconstituting benzyl
penicillin
No equivalent
recommended
-
Only paediatric
recommended; adult
strength only for carrying
dangerous goods
20
-
1
28*
4*
A
B
-
-
-
-
1*
20
-
1
28*
UK guidelinesd
Framycetin eye ointment
Unit dose minims
Only for ships carrying
dangerous goods
5mg tablets
Note on the Australian
guidelinesc
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
C
No equivalent
recommended
Only paediatric
recommended
Chloramphenicol eye
ointment
Unit dose minims
5mg tablets
Notes on the UK
guidelinese
a. amp=ampoule; crm=cream; drp=drop; inh=inhalation; liq=liquid; lot=lotion; oint=ointment; strp=strip; tab=tablet
b. Quantities are based on 20 crew for Category A unless otherwise marked; quantities marked with a ‘+’ are recommended irrespective of crew size; quantities marked
with ‘*’ are those for an alternative drug/dose/indication described in the Notes section; GTN=glyceryl trinitrate
c. NSAID=non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
d. Quantities are per 10 crew for Category A and B ships unless otherwise marked; Quantities marked with a ‘+’ are recommended irrespective of crew size; quantities
marked with ‘*’ are those for an alternative drug/dose/indication described in the Notes section; GTN=glyceryl trinitrate
5ml
10mg/ml
1%
0.50%
0.9%, 1 Litre
100mcg/dose
25mg
tab
Prednisone
Strength
Forma
Name
48
WHO_IMGFS_2001B253.indd48
2010-08-2413:10:24
70%
1%
tab
liq
amp
tab
tab
tab
gel
liq
eye strips
Cloves, oil of
Dexamethasone
Diazepam
Docusate with senna
Doxycycline
Ethanol, hand cleanser
Ethanol
Fluorescein
70%
100mg
50mg/8mg
5mg
4mg/ml
250mg
10mg
1g
Ciprofloxacin
500mg
1.2mg/ml
powder
amp
Atropine
20mg/120mg
Charcoal, activated
tab
Artemether + lumefantrine
80mg/ml
tab
amp
Artemether
875mg/125mg
Cetirizine
tab
Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid
1mg/ml
amp
amp
Adrenaline
400mg
Ceftriaxone
tab
Aciclovir
300mg
tab
tab
Acetylsalicylic acid
Strength
Azithromycin
Forma
Name
50+
Alcohol withdrawal
20+
500ml
Disinfect instruments
Detect corneal damage
500ml
10
Hand cleaning
Infections
30+
3
Severe asthma/anaphylaxis
Constipation
10ml
20+
120g+
30+
15
Toothache
Infections
Poisoning
Hayfever/hives/dermatitis
Infections
10+
10+
MI/organophosphate
poisoning
Infections
24+
12+
Malaria treatment
Malaria treatment
20
Infections
10+
70+
Herpes simplex/zoster
Anaphylaxis
50
A
20+
100ml
500ml+
-
-
20+
1
10ml+
10+
120g+
30+
5+
5+
5+
24+
12+
10
5+
35+
50
B
-
-
100ml+
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5+
-
-
C
Quantities per 10 crewc
Pain, fever, blood clots
Indicationb
Double if crew size >30
Double if crew size >30
Double quantity if carrying
organophosphates
Double if crew size >30
Notes
Annex 3: R
ecommended quantities of medicines for the third edition of the International
Medical Guide for Ships
49
WHO_IMGFS_2001B253.indd49
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Forma
amp
amp
amp
crm
tab
tab
amp
tab
tab
tab
tab
crm
amp
tab
powder
nasal drop
amp
liq
amp
tab
Name
Frusemide
Glucagon
Haloperidol
Hydrocortisone
Ibuprofen
Isosorbide dinitrate
Lignocaine
Loperamide
Mebendazole
Metoprolol
Metronidazole
Miconazole
Midazolam
Misoprostol
Oral Rehydration
Solution
Oxymetazoline
Morphine
Morphine
Naloxone
Omeprazole
2 x 30g
Allergy/inflammatory skin
20mg
0.4mg/ml
1mg/ml
10mg/ml
0.50%
sachet
200ug
5mg/ml
2%
500mg
100mg
100mg
10
100ml+
10+
30+
Severe pain in patients able
to eat and drink
Opiate overdose
Reflux, peptic ulcers
2
Nasal obstruction/drain
sinuses
Severe pain
15l (75)
3+
Post-partum haemorrhage
Dehydration due to
diarrhoea
10+
Epileptic fits
2 x 30g
Fungal skin infections
60+
HTN/AF/Angina/Migraine
30+
6+
Intestinal worms
Infections
30
5
10
Diarrhoea
Suturing/minor surgery
1%, 5ml
2mg
Angina/MI
100
5
Psychosis/severe agitation
Inflammation/pain
1+
5+
A
30+
5+
100ml+
10
1
10l (50)
3+
5+
1 x 30g
20+
-
6+
30
5
10
50
1 x 30g
5+
1+
5+
B
-
-
-
-
-
2l (10)+
-
-
-
-
-
-
10+
-
5+
50+
-
-
-
-
C
Quantities per 10 crewc
Hypoglycaemia
Pulmonary oedema
Indicationb
5mg
400mg
1%
5mg/ml
1mg
40mg/4ml
Strength
One bottle per patient
Quantities in brackets are
number of sachets based on
sachets made up to 200ml
Only if females on board
Double quantities if
females on board
One tube per patient
Notes
50
WHO_IMGFS_2001B253.indd50
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amp
tab
paste/oint
Water for injection
Zidovudine + lamivudine
Zinc oxide
1
Asthma/bronchitis/
emphysema
200g+
56+
Needle-stick injury
prophylaxis
Irritated skin
10
2+
2
20+
Reconstitute injections
Reverse warfarin or similar
Minor eye infections
Eye examination
5+
30+
Asthma/inflammatory
conditions
Fluid replacement
100ml
1 x 25g
300ml+
Disinfect skin/wounds
Disinfect skin/wounds
Scabies
200ml+
100
Pain and fever
Lice
10
A
100g+
56+
5+
2+
1
20+
1
1
30+
100ml
1x25g
100ml+
100ml+
50
10
B
100g+
-
-
-
1+
-
-
-
-
100ml+
-
-
-
25
10+
C
Quantities per 10 crewc
Vomiting, sea-sickness
Indicationb
4 x 25g or 3 x 30g tubes
per 100g
Only used to reconstitute
ceftriaxone
One tube per patient
One inhaler per patient
100ml per patient
Double if crew size >30
Notes
a. a mp=ampoule; crm=cream; inh=inhalation; liq=liquid; lot=lotion; oint=ointment; tab=tablet
b. AF=atrial fibrillation; HTN=hypertension; MI=myocardial infarction
c. Category of ship; see main text for definitions; quantities marked with an ‘+’ are suggested quantities irrespective of crew size. The assumed duration of each
trip is up to 3-4 weeks.
20%
300mg/150mg
5ml
10mg/ml
amp
0.9%, 1 litre
100ug/dose
Vitamin K
inh
Salbutamol
25mg
1%
tab
Prednisone
10%
eye oint
liq
Povidone iodine
10%
Tetracycline
oint
Povidone iodine
5%
0.50%
lot
Permethrin
1%
eye drop
lot
Permethrin
500mg
Tetracaine [amethocaine]
tab
Paracetamol
4mg
liq
tab
Ondanestron
Strength
Sodium chloride
Forma
Name
Quantification Addendum
International Medical Guide for Ships, Third Edition
References
1.
McKay MP. Maritime Health Emergencies. Occupational Medicine. 2007;57(6):453.
2.
all TM, Herring SA, Jozwiak TJ. Basic Elements of Maritime Health Care. Journal of
H
Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 1984;26(3):202.
3.
Scott J, Lucas R, Snoots R. Maritime Medicine. Emergency medicine clinics of North
America. 1997;15(1):241-9.
4.
L ateef F, Anantharaman V. Maritime Radio-Medical Services: The Singapore General
Hospital Experience. American Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2002;20(4):349-51.
5.
uidance Notes on Medical Facilities Aboard Ships. February 2002. Australian Maritime
G
Safety Authority. (http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Comlaw/Legislation/LegislativeInstrument1.
nsf/0/279E72D189C84BBBCA257161007DDC39/$file/Mo10+13of+01.pdf, accessed 01
December 2009)
6.
erchant Shipping Notice 1768 (M+F) : Ships’ Medical Stores. August 2003. Maritime
M
and Coastguard Agency. (http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/1768.pdf, accessed 01
December 2009)
7.
he Ship’s Medicine Chest and Medical Aid at Sea. 2003. U.S. Department of Health
T
and Human Services. (http://www.operationalmedicine.org/Library/VNH%20Textbooks/
Ships_Medicine_Chest_2003edition.pdf, accessed 01 December 2009)
8.
aritime Pharmacy: Towards Cooperation and Standardization Globally. 2003. Working
M
Group Ships Medicines - International Pharmaceutical Federation (http://geneesmiddelen.wewi.eldoc.ub.rug.nl/FILES/root/Rapporten/2002/scheepskist/Finalreport9320.doc,
accessed 20 December 2009)
9.
uidance to the International Medical Guides for Ships third Edition: Interim Advice
G
on the Best Use of the Medical Chest for Ocean-Going Merchant Vessels without a
Doctor Onboard. WHO Collaborating Centre for the Health of Seafarers and the International Maritime Health Association. (http://imha.net/images/stories/Guidance%20
re%20IMGS%20Medical%20Chest.pdf, accessed 20 December 2009)
10. A
rtemether for severe malaria. (http://www.medicine.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/booth/alternat/
At127.html, accessed 20 December 2009)
11. A
rtemether 80mg/ml injection/1ml/Box-8. (http://www.supply.unicef.dk/catalogue/
item.asp?c1=2&c2=6&c3=70&catno=1300069&head=Artemether+80mg%2Fml+injecti
on%2F1ml%2FBOX-8, accessed 01 December 2009)
12. M
GN257(M): Prevention of Infectious Disease at Sea by Immunisations and Anti-Malaria Medication (Prophylaxis). Maritime and Coastguard Agency (http://www.mcga.gov.
uk/c4mca/mgn257.pdf, accessed 20 December 2009)
51
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WHO_IMGFS_2001B253.indd 52
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This volume contains recommended quantities, indications and dosing for 55 medicines listed in the
International Medical Guide for Ships 3rd edition. The quantities are based on three types of ships:
• ocean-going ships with crews of 25–40 and no doctor (Category A);
• coastal ships with crews of up to 25 that travel no more than 24 hours from a port of
call (Category B); and
• small boats and private craft with crews of 15 or less, and usually travelling no more
than a few hours from a port of call (Category C).
These quantities have been updated to reflect the decrease of crew numbers on most ships and
calculated for voyages of one month. This companion volume to the International Medical Guide for
Ships provides essential guidance to all those who involved in the procurement, purchasing, stock
maintenance and use of medicines to promote and protect the health of seafarers worldwide.
ISBN 978 92 4 154799 4
IMGFS_Cover.indd 1
8/6/2010 10:22:47 AM